100 years ago, 1911

A woman named Simard, living in the Burnt Woods district, was struck by lightning during the heavy shower of Thursday and required the attendance of several physicians. The lightning struck both feet, turning the skin black and for a time rendering her unconscious.

50 years ago, 1961

Lewiston’s shaggy-looking city park bandstand is going to be fixed up next week.

Public Works Department men will move in Tuesday, according to Assistant Director Lucien L. Bilodeau. The city has budgeted slightly more than $1,500 to repair the bandstand and paint it.

The bandstand is in bad shape and considerable repair work will have to be done by the PWD.

For one thing, the right-hand railing leading up the steps at the entrance to the bandstand isn’t even there. Most of the bandstand railing rungs likewise have been broken out and are missing.

25 years ago, 1986

Lewiston-Auburn is gearing up for a yearlong push to reduce illiteracy.

Census reports show that one of 10 adults in the area are functionally illiterate. They are unable to read menus, understand directions on prescription drugs, follow basic recipes, enjoy the daily newspaper or choose greeting cards.

Lewiston and Auburn adult educators Monday told Southern Maine’s Project Literacy U.S. task force that local anti-illiteracy committees are now being formed. Local committees will operate under supervision of the task force.